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Political leaders in Northern Ireland have urged the public not to be swayed by Van Morrison’s coronavirus protest songs and instead to listen to the scientific evidence.
Prime Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill commented after the famous Belfast musician wrote three songs denouncing the lockdown.
In them, Morrison accused the British government of taking the freedom of the people and supposed scientists were inventing “twisted facts” to justify restrictions to “enslave” the population.
Ms Foster said: “I think Van has a particular opinion about governments around the world and not just the executive here in Northern Ireland.
“But look, we live in a free society. Van writes a lot of songs on many subjects.
“He has decided to write some protest songs about the confinement. I don’t agree with his message, obviously.
“But we live in a free country and that is why he has the right to write those songs.
“What I’m asking people is to look at that in the context of arts and entertainment, while we’re giving them a message based on science and data and the best advice we have, and I hope people will listen to the prime minister and deputy prime minister, and for the executive, when we say that this is a real threat, we have to act and we ask them to work with us in proportionate action. “
Mrs. O’Neill described Morrison as a “great artist.”
“But I think their interventions are useless, particularly given the juncture we are in right now in terms of trying to deal with Covid-19,” he added.
“We are trying to save lives based on the best medical and scientific advice we have and will continue to do so.”
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